Push-pull switch



April 12, 1966 H. A. MARTENS 3,246,111

PUSH-PULL SWITCH Filed July 17, 1964 ya v 5 1-3.'

United States Patent O 3,245,111 PUSH-FULL SWITCH Herbert A.. Martens, Birmingham, Mich., assigner to Mackworth G. Rees, Division of Avis Industrial Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Fiied Saly 17, 1964, Ser. No. 333,439 16 Claims. (Cl. 296-167) This invention relates to circuit controlling push-pull switches of the illuminated type which are adapted to be axially actuated to control electrical circuit elements through a plurality of contact units and more particularly, the invention relates to a circuit controlling push-pull switch of the type described having a plurality of positions wherein a signal light in the switch is illuminated when the c-ircuit to be controlled is in a preselected condition.

There is available at the present time a push-pull switch of the illuminated type that is adapted for mounting on a panel or the like, and that includes contact units for controlling the circuit in which the switch is connected and a voltage reducing transformer for the illuminating means. The contact units usually are spring biased to urge the movable contact member in one direction or the other, either in or out, toward the push-pull switch.

In a typical prior art unit, the push-pull switch is provided with a manual actuator which is biased in the neutral position by a pair of oppositely acting counterbalancing springs reacting on a member fixed to a housing of the switch. One of the springs tends to urge the actuator outwardly and the other tends to urge the actuator inwardly, the two balancing each other in the neutral position. Thus, when the contact units are operatively mounted on the push-pull switch the tendency is for the balance of the springs to lbe upset by the elfect of the spring biased contact member acting on the actuator. In this situation it is necessary to make the spring, which acts in the direction opposite to the spring action of the contact units, i.e., the inwardly acting spring, strong enough to oiiset the combined spring bias of the contact units and the oppositely acting balancing spring.

However, in many cases it is necessary to mount a large number of contact units on the push-pull switch in order to control a plurality of circuits with one actuator. A problem with the prior units arises due to the cumulative effect of the spring bias of the contact units. Thus it becomes necessary to change the spring member in the push-pull switch each time a further contact unit is added or one is removed. While the prior art push-pull switches are satisfactory where a single or even two contact units are used, the undesirability of having to change springs when more contact units are added is obvious and this is one of the problems with which the instant invention primarily deals. Also, other related advantages of the assembly will become apparent as the description of the invention proceeds.

The push-pull switch of the instant invention generally comprises a housing adapted to be mounted on a panel, an illuminated actuating member and a combination of a plurality of contact units and a transformer mounted on a flange of the housing. The actuating member is biased to a neutral position by a single spring acting through a slidable, spaced ring and collar combination against a pair of spaced rings which are fixed to the housing. -In this manner, the spring need only be strong enough to offset the cumulative spring action of the greatest number of contact units which may be used. The balancing action of the spring which retains the actuator in the neutral position is inherent in the spring due to its unitary configuration.

The operating knob is formed of a translucent material which is illuminated from within by a bulb assembly con- Mice tained therein. This bulb is illuminated from a circuit which includes the above mentioned transformer and is energized when the circuit to be controlled is energized, thus signalling the operator that the circuit is energized. The push-pull switch unit is readily mounted on a panel by means of suitable members provided on the housing.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved push-pull switch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a push-pull switch of the type described which permits the gauging of a plurality of contact units without modifying the switch in any way.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a push-pull switch of the type described having an actuating member which is resiliently positively held in certain preselected positions.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved operating mechanism for a push-pull switch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved push-pull switch which is simplied in assembly and manufacture.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevation view partially in section of a push-pull switch employing certain principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an exemplication of the type of contact units which may be used with the push-pull switch of FIGURE 1 shown in their mounted position relative to each other;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view of the left contact unit of FIGURE 2 taken along its longitudinal axis;

FIGURE 4 is a reduced elevation View of the front of the switch of FIGUR-E 1; and

FIGURE 5 is a sectional View of a ball detent unit which is adapted to use with the push-pull switch of FIG- URE 1 as a modification thereof.

Referring now to FIGURE 1 there is generally illustrated a push-pull switch unit 6 having a resiliently, reciprocably operated actuator assembly -8 adapted to 0perate a plurality of circuit controlling contact units 12 and 14 mounted on the back of the switch unit 6. The contact units 12 and 14 are actuated to the make and break conditions by the actuator assembly 3 which is slidably mounted in a housing 18. Switch unit 6 is provided with a bulb assembly Ztl which serves to signal the operator when theA electrical circuit to be controlled is `in a predetermined condition. This signalled condition may take a variety of forms, as, for example, a condition of the contact units 12, 14, an electrical condition of an external circuit, mechanical conditions of units connected in circuit with the bulb assembly 20 and many others. A suitable voltage for the bulb assembly 20 is provided by a voltage reducing transformer 22 which is mounted closely adjacent the contact units 12 and 14. It is to be understood that any suitable arrangement of transformers and contact units may be had to accomplish the desired signalling and switching functions.

The illuminated push-pull switch 6 embodies the cylindrical tubular housing 1S to serve as a mounting member for the switch actuator structure 8 as mentioned above and further to mount the electrical components 12, 14 and 22. At the rear of the housing 1S is formed a radially outwardly extending base flange 24 which is here shown to be formed integrally on the housing 18. The push-pull switch 6 is constructed to be panel mounted by inserting the housing 18 through an aperture 26 formed in a panel 28 from the rear thereof. The switch 6 is angularly or rotatively positioned relative to the panel 28 `by a boss 30 on the periphery of the housing 18 which fits into a notch formed in the aperture 26 and the switch 1s positioned long-itudinally with respect to the mounting panel -by means of the 4base flange 24 and a lock nut 32 on a threaded portion 34 of the housing.

The preferred embodiment of the invention has a plate 36 which instructs an operatorV as to the mode of operation of the switch 6 and also serves as a washer between the lock nut 32 and the panel 28. It is to be understood that the lock nut 32 could be made of suieient thickness to engage the panel 28 and the plate 36 could be eliminated. A suitable resilient washer 38 is disposed between the panel 28 and the base flange 24 to precludedirt, dust and the like from entering the electrical components of the switch 6. Y

The transformer 22 is mounted on the rear of the base flange 24 and is `suitably fastened thereto by a plurality of bolts (not shown) passing through the transformer and threadedly engaging tapped holes (not shown) in the base flange. The transformer 22 is of any suitable low .voltage type havinga core 40, a primary and secondar] winding (not shown) and an output lead 42 which provides the low voltage energy for the bulb assembly 20. The input for the transformer is provided by the terminal 44 and a similar terminal located on the opposite side of the transformer 22.

The contact unit 12 is mounted on the base flange 24 similarly to the transformer 22; viz, a pair of bolts 46 extend through the housing of the contact unit 12 and threadedly engage tapped holes 48 in apad 50 formed on the base flange 24. The heads of bolts 46 are also provided with tapped holes 48 and these heads are received in recesses 52 formed in the base of the second contact unit 14. Similar bolts 56 are provided which pass through the housing of the Ysecond Contact unit 14 and threadedly engage the tapped holes 48. In3this manner, any desired number of contact units can be stacked and fastened in place on the switch unit and actuated in unison by a single means.

Referring now particularly to FIGURE 2, there is illustrated therein a pair of contact units 58 and 60, which may be used in the present invention. The two units 58, 6) are shown as they would be mountedon base flange 24 of FIGURE l, that is, fastened together with their operating mechanisms 62 and 64 in the biased'neutral position. In Contact unit 58, the operating mechanism 62 is supported in a housing 66 which may be formed of plastic or a like insulator. A pair of fixed contact elements 68 which may be connected to an external circuit to be controlled are supported in the housing 66 in any suitable manner. The connection to the external circuit is made by tightening a fixture 70, such as the bolt and clamp type shown, on a conductor of the circuit placed between the contact 68 and the fixture 70.

A movable contact 72 is held in spaced relation to ixed contacts 68 by the operating mechanism 62 and is adapted to close the gap between'the two xed conta-ct elements 68 on being moved rearwardly or inwardly. The movable contact element 72 is resiliently supported on an internal surface of a frame 74 by a spring member 76, the opposite end of which engages a metal retaining barV 78. Thus the'contact element 72 is resiliently held against the internal surface of the frame 74 by one end of the spring 76 and the retaining bar 78 is resiliently held against an opposite internal'surface by the opposite end of the spring 76. In a like manner, the retaining bar 78 is resiliently urged toward an internal surface 8i) of the housing 66 by a pair of springs 82 (FIG. 3). If the contact unit 58 were allowed to assume its unbiased position, the operating mechanism 62 would be fully extended as shown in the dotted line and the retaining bar 78 would be seated at 80 against they housing 66.

The contact unit 60 is similar to the unit .58 with the following exceptions. The first of these is that the fixed contact elements are reversed so that an inward movement of the operating mechanism 64 further opens the gap between the fixed contact element 84 and movable contact element 86. Secondly, the movable contact element 86 is urged toward the retaining bar '78 due to the reversal of the positions of the spring 76 and movable contact element 86. Thus, a forward or outward movement of the operating mechanism 64 causes the Contact element 86 to bridge the contact element 84, contrary to the operation of contact unit 5S.

In operation, operating mechanism 62 is biased in the neutral position by a force F applied at one end thereof in the direction of the arrow. As a further force is applied the operating mechanism will move inwardly as a unit until contact element 72 engages the xed element 68. At this time the contact element 72 will remain engaged with element 68 and the force of the engagement will increase due to the compression of spring 76 as the Contact element slides in frame 4member 74. Thus a positive contact is insured. Contact mechanism 64, being in engagement with the rear of mechanism 62, will follow a similar direction of travel. The edect will be to further increase the gap between contact elements 84 and 86 against the spring force provided by lsprings 82. When the increased force is removed, the units will return to the neutral position.

As the force F is removed from operating mechanism 62, the springs 82 operating on retaining bars 78 tend to move the operating mechanisms 62 and 64 from the neutral to their fully extended positions as shown by the broken line. The effect of this movement is to increase the gap between contact elements 68 and 72 and to allow contact elements 84 and 86 to engage. On the engagement of the latter contacts, the spring 76 is compressed due to the Afurther forward or outward travel of the operating mechanism 64 and a force is exerted against element 86 to insure a positive engagement between elements 84 and 86. On again applying the force F, the actuating mechanisms 62 and 64 return to their respective neutral positions. It is important to note that the Imagnitude of the force F required to maintain the operating mechanisms in their neutral positions is directly proportional to the degree of compression of the springs 82 and their number. This number may be as high as twenty-springs if ten contact units have been stacked together or any number less than this may be chosen to perform certain functions. Thus the force F required to maintain the neutral position is constantly changing as units are added and subtracted.

It is to be understood that the contact units discussed are shown for illustrative purposes only. Any suitable type of contact unit which is spring biased may be used and the configuration of contacts may vary over a widel range. For example, a pair of contact units may be provided wherein the first unit is normally closed when in the neutral position and the second is normally open. On the outward movement of the actuating mechanisms the first unit remains closed and the second unit is closed. On an inward movement, the first unit is opened and the second unit remains open. This is the type of arrangement normally used in conjunction with a holding circuit.

The aforementioned force F is provided by the switch actuator 8 through an actuator element 88 which is in aligned engagement with the foremost yoperating mechanism 62. The element 88 is adapted to abut a washer or fconnector member 98 as illustrated in FIGURE l. The switch actuator 8 is slidably mounted in housing 18 by means of a pair of fixed annular longitudinally spaced rings 94 and 96. As shown, the ring 94 is press-iitted in the bore yof the housing 18 and ring 96 is formed as a radially inwardly extending integral portion of the housing 18.

The switch actuator 8 comprises a :cylindrical or tubular inner member 98 having the washer 90 fixed to one end and a manual actuator or knob 100 threaded to the other end thereof. A resilient washer 101 is provided between actuator 98 and knob 10d to provide a seal therebetween. It is to be noted that the knob 100 is formed `of light illuminable material of suitable color. To facilitate the operation of the knob 109 by the operator, a radial extension 192 is threadedzly provided thereon which may be formed of the same material as the housing 18.

A spring 108 is disposed between the ends of inner member 98 and acts in one direct-ion on an annular colllar 111i and in the other direction on an annular ring 112. Collar 110 is adally movable -on inner member 9S and seats in the rearward direction against the integral ring 96 and the washer 90. Ring 112 is also axially movable on the inner member 98 and seats forwardiy aga-inst the press-tted ring 94 and a shoulder 114 Iformed on the member 98.

, When assembled, the spring 11MB holds the switch actuator t3 in the neutral position. When the actuat-or 8 is pulled outwardly, the washer iii) acting through the collar 110, compresses the spring S which is retained at the forward end thereof by the rings 112 and 94. The movement of collar 90 releases the bias force F on the `actuating mechanisms of the Contact units 12 and 14 and the selected switching functions are performed. The forward or outward movement of the switch actuator 8 is limited by engagement of the washer 91) with the integral ring 96. On releasing the outward force on the knob, the switch actuator returns to the neutral position. When the switch actuator S is pushed inwardly, the shoulder 114 pushes against the ring 112 and moves it rearwardly away from ring 94. As the ring 112 moves, it `compresses the spring 10S since the rearward end thereof seats on the collar 110 which in turn is held in place by the integral ring 95. Also, the washer 90 moves to apply force against the contact actuator mechanisms to perform the prescribed switching functions. inward movement of the actuator S is limited either by engagemt of a rearwardly facing shoulder 113 on the actuator 8 with the fixed ring 94 or by engagement of the ring 112 with the integral ring 96. Release of the inward force allows the actuator 8 to return to the neutral position by the action of spring 193.

Illumination lfor the push-pull switch is provided by the bulb lassembly 2@ mounted in the inner member 98 by pressditting a tubular member 121) therein. The bulb assembly is of the well known bayonet type wherein a bulb is pressed into the tubular member 12) against the action of a spring 122 and locked therein by pins 124 engaging a pair of bayonet slots (not shown). The electrical circuit from the transformer lead 42 is through contact 128 to the bulb by contact 136, out of the bulb by casing 132, and back to the transformer by means of the metal parts of the push-pull switch 5. The transformer 22 is energized, and thus the bulb, when a predetermined circuit condition exists in the external circuit as described above. n this manner the operator is notified when this condition exists by the illumination of the knob 10i).

The operation of the push-pull switch of FIGURE 1 may be modified by the addition of a ball detent 149 unit illustrated in FIGURE 5. A housing 142 slidably receives a nylon element 144 which is attached to the washer 9d as by a bolt 143 passed through a countersunk aperture formed in washer 9G. The housing 142 is adapted to be mounted on the base iiange 24 by screws or the like in a similar manner to the mounting of the contact unit 12. With the ball detent unit 1410 mounted in place on the iiange 24 4and with the contact units 12 and 14 mounted on the rear thereof, the actuator mechanisms of the contact units 12, 14 are in aligned relation with element 144. It is to be noted that element 144 corresponds to actuator element 88. Element 144 is formed with `a surface 145 at the rear thereof which is adapted to engage the switch actuators 74 to make and break contact units y12, 14. Thus the action of the switch actuator 6 8 is transmitted to the detent unit 140 by means of washer 9G.

Element 144 is provided with a plurality of irregularities or slots 146 and 148 on the surface thereof which are adapted to be engaged by a pair of detents 151i, herein illustrated as metal balls received in a support member 151. The balls 150 are urged radially inwardly by a pair of springs 152 received in recesses 154. Thus when switch actuator 8 is pulled outwardly, the slots 146 will be in registry with balls 150 and the actuator S will not be able to return to the neutral position under the action of spring 108. Also, when the actuator 8 is pushed inward-ly, the slots 148 will be in registry with balls 150 and again an additional force must be applied to return the actuator 8 to the neutral position. The ball detent arrangement is particularly useful in situations where no holding circuit is used or where a prolonged engagement of the contacts is desired and it is to be understood that the detent 151D may be supported on the element 144 yand the slots 1415 in support member 151 if so desired.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A push-pull switch for controlling conditions in an electrical circuit comprising;

a hollow outer support member,

an inner support member concentrically spaced from said outer support member having a first end and a second end,

manual means connected to said rst end operable to reciprocably aotuate said inner support member to a plurality of positions relative to said outer support member, means extending radially inwardly from said outer support member having first and second axially spaced portions defining an annular cavity therebetween,

first `and second axial-ly spaced annular members coaxial with said inner support member and disposed within said cavity,

resilient means interposed between said first and second annular members operable to resiliently urge said first annular member into engagement with said first portion and said second lannular member into engagement with said second portion when said switch is in one of said plurality of positions,

first means on said inner support member engaging said rst annular member for urging the latter toward said second annular member and compressing said resilient means in one direction when said manual means is actuated to another of said plurality of positions,

second means on said inner support member for urging said second annular member toward said first annular member and compressing said resilient means in a direction Iopposite to said one direction when said ymanual means is actuated to stil-l another of said plurality of positions, and

switch yactuating means actuated by said second end for controlling the energization of the circuit.

2. A push-pull switch Ifor controlling conditions at an external member and in `an electrical circuit comprising;

a hollow outer support member,

an inner support member concentrically spaced from said outer support member having a first end and a second end,

manual means at least partially formed of light illuminable material supported on said first end operable to reciprocably actuate said inner support member to a plurality of positions relative to said outer support member,

a lamp and socket assembly supported by said inner support member for illuminating said manual means when a predetermined condition exists at at least one of lthe external member and the Velectrical circuit, means radially inwardly extending Ifrom said outer sup.- port member having `tirst and second axially spaced portions defining an annular cavity therebetween, lirst and second axially spaced annular members slidably supported on said inner support member and disposed within said cavity,

resilient means interposed between said tirst and second annular members operable to resiliently urge said irst annular member into engagement with said first portion and said second annular member into engagment with said second portion when said switch is in one of said plurality of positions,

first means carried on said inn-er support member for urging said iirst annular member toward said second annular member and compressing said resilient means in one direction when said manual means is actuated to .another of said plurality of positions,

second means carried on said inner support member for urging said second annular member toward said iirst annular member and compressing said resilient means in a direction opposite to said one direction when said manual means is actuated to still another of said plurality of positions, and

switch actuating means operably connected to said second end for controlling the energization of the circuit.

3. A push-pull switch ttor controlling conditions in an electrical circuit comprising;

a hollow outer support member,

an inner support member -con'centrically spaced from said outer support member having a first end and a second end,

manual means at least partially formed lof lighlt illuminable material supported on said rst end operable to `reciprocably actuate said inner support member to a plurality of positions relative to said outer support member,

a lamp and socket assemblyv supported within said inner support member yand partially extending into said manual means Ifor illumination thereof when the external circuit is in a predetermined condition,

means radially inwardly extending ifromsaid outer support member having iirst and second axially spaced portions deiining an annular cavity therebetween,

iirst and -second axially spaced annular members slidably supported on said inner support member and disposed within said cavity,

resilient means interposed between said irst and second annular members operable to yresiliently urge said iirst annular member into engagement with said first portion and said second annular member into engagement with said second portion 'when said switch is in one of said plurality of posit-ions,

lirst means carried on said inner support member for urging said iiirst annular member toward said second annular member and compressing said resilient means in one direction when said manual means is actuated t-o another of said plurality of positions,

second means carried on said inner support member for urging said second annular member toward said iirst annular member and compressing said resilient means in a direction opposite to said one direction when said manual means is actuated to still another of said plurality of positions, and

switch actuating means actuated by said second end for controlling the energization of the circuit.

4. A push-pull control switch for controlling the coriditions of an electrical circuit comprising;

a hollow outer support member,

an axially extending inner support member concentrically spaced from said outer member,

a manual actuator connected to said inner support member adapted to reciprocably operate said inner support member between a neutral and a tirst position and said neutral and a second position,

lirst and second radially inwardly exten-ding axially spaced ring portions supported on an inner surface of said outer support member and defining an annular cavity therebetween,

a third ring portion slidably supported on said inner support member and adapt-ed to be in engagement with said first ring portion when said inner member is'in said neutral and said rst position and out of engagement when in said second position,

a collar member slidably supported on said inner support member and adapted to be in engagement with said second ring portion when said inner member is in said neutral position and said second lposition and out of engagement ywhen in said iirs't position,

spring means disposed in said annular cavity in engagement with said third ring member and said collar member for lresiliently spacing said last named portions into engagement with said first and second ring portions respectively when said inner mem-ber is in said neutral position and adapted to be compressed when said actuator is actuated to either said iirst or second position, and

switch actuating mean-s actuated by said inner support member for controlling the energization of the circuit.

5. A push-pull control switch for controlling the conditions ot an electrical circuit comprising;

a hollow outer support member,

an axially extending inner support member concentrically spaced from said outer member,

a manual actuator at least partially formed of light illuminable material connected to said inner support member adapted to reciprocably operate said inner ember between a neutral and a first position and said neutral and a second position,

a lamp and socket assembly supported by said inner support member for illuminating said manual actuator when said inner support member is actuated to at least one of said positions,

first and second radially inwardly extending axially spaced ring members supported on an inner surface of said outer support member and defining an annular cavity therebetween,

a third ring member slidably supported on said inner support member and adapted to be in engagement with said tirst ring member when said inner member is in said neutral and said tirst position and out of engagement when in said second position,

a collar member slidably supported on said inner support member and adapted to be in engagement with said second ring member when said inner member is in said neutral position and said second position and out of engagement when in said rst position,

spring means disposed in said annular cavity in engagement with said third ring member and said collar member for resiliently spacing said last named members into engagement with said iirst and second ring portions, respectively, when said inner member is in said neutral position, and adapted to be compressed when said actuator is actuated to either said rst or second position, and

switch actuating means actuated by said inner support member for controlling the'energization of the circuit.

6. A push-pull control switch for controlling the conditions of an electrical circuit comprising;

a hollow outer support member,

an axially extending inner support member concentrically spaced from said outer member,

a manual actuator at least partially formed of light illuminable material connected to said inner support member adapted to reciprocably operate said inner member between a neutral and a tirst position and said neutral and a second position,

a lamp and socket assembly supported Within said inner support member and partially extending into said manual means for illumination thereof when said inner support member is actuated to at least one of said positions,

rst and second radially inwardly extending axially spaced ring members supported on an inner surface of said outer support member and defining an annular cavity therebetween,

a third ring member slidably supported on said inner support member and adapted to be in engagement with said first ring member when said inner member is in said neutral and said first position and out of engagement when in said second position,

' a collar member slidably supported on said inner support member and adapted to be in engagement with said second ring member when said inner member is in said neutral position and said second position and out of engagement when in said first position,

spring means disposed in said 4annular cavity in engagement with said third ring member and said collar member for resiliently spacing said last named members into engagement with said first and second ring portions, respectively, when said inner member is in said neutral position and adapted to be compressed when said actuator is actuated to either said rst or second position, and

switch actuating means actuated by said inner support member for controlling the energization of the circuit.

7. A push-pull switch for use with a plurality of switch contact elements mounted on the back thereof comprisma;

a hollow outer housing member for supporting the contact elements,

an inner support member concentrically spaced from said outer housing member being reciprocably actuable to a plurality of positions including a neutral position relative to said outer housing member,

counterbalancing means disposed between said housing member and said inner support member and being operable to resiliently retain said inner support member in said neutral position and to urge said inner support member to said neutral position when actuated to said other positions,

manual means supported by one end of said inner support member and operable to actuate said inner support member among said neutral position and said other positions,

switch actuator means actuated by the other end of said inner support member having a connector member and an actuating element extending outwardly there- `from, and

locking means supported by said outer housing and being adapted to engage said actuating element as said inner support member is reciprocated for holding said inner support member in at least one of said positions.

8. A push-pull switch for use with a plurality of switch contact elements mounted on the back thereof comprising;

a hollow outer housing member for supporting the contact elements,

an inner support member concentrically spaced from said outer housing member being reciprocably actuable to a plurality of positions including a neutral position relative to said outer housing member,

counterbalancing means disposed between said housing member and said inner support member and being operable to resiliently retain said inner support member in said neutral position and to urge said inner support member to said neutral position when actuated to said other positions,

manual means supported by one end of said inner support member and operable to actuate said inner support member among said neutral position and said other positions, switch actuator means actuated by the other end of said inner support member having a connector mem- 5 ber and an actuating element extending outwardly therefrom, and locking means supported by said outer housing member and adapted to enclose at least a portion of said actuating element, said locking means including resiliently radially actuable means operable to resiliently lock said inner support member in at least one of said plurality of positions. 9. A push-pull switch for use with a plurality of switch .contact elements mounted on the back thereof comprisa hollow outer housing member for supporting the contact elements, an inner support member concentrically spaced from s-aid outer housing member being reciprocably actuable to a plurality of positions including a neutral position relative to said outer housing member,

counterbalancing means disposed between said housing member and said inner support member and being operable to resiliently retain said inner support member in said neutral position `and to urge said inner support member to said neutral position when actuated to said other positions,

manual means supported by one end of said inner support member and operable to actuate said inner support member among said neutral position and said other positions,

switch actuator means actuated by the other end of said inner support member having a connector member and an actuating element extending outwardly therefrom, and

said actu-ating element having a plurality of deformations spaced on the periphery thereof,

locking means supported by said outer housing member and adapted to enclose at least a portion of said actuating element including means engageable with said deformation to resiliently lock said inner support member in at least one of said positions.

10. The switch of claim l wherein said deformations are apertures formed in said actuating element and said last named means are `a plurality of spring biased members adapted to be received in said apertures at said at least one locked position.

11. A push-pull switch for controlling conditions in an electrical circuit comprising;

a hollow outer support member,

an inner support member concentrically spaced from said outer support member having a first end and a second end, manual means including means connected to said irst end operable to reciprocably actuate said inne'r support member from a neutral position to a plurality of positions relative to said outer support member,

resilient means concentric with said inner support member intermediate said rst and second ends thereof for maintaining said inner support member at said neutral position,

iirst means including means positioned adjacent said second end and engaging said resilient means for compressing said resilient means when said manual means is operated to a first of said plurality of positions relative to said neutral position,

second means including means positioned adjacent said rst end and engaging said resilient means for cornpressing said resilient means when said manual means is operated to a second position relative to said neutral position, and

switch actuating means actuatable by said manual means for controlling the energization of the circuit.

12. A push-pull switch for controlling conditions in an 75 electrical circuit comprising;

fi l) a hollow outer support member,

an inner support member concentrieally spaced from Said outer supportmember `having a first end and a second end, v

manual means including means connected to said first end operable to resiliently reciprocably actuate said inner support member from -a neutral position to a plurality of positions relative to said outer support member,

spring means supported on and concentric with said inner support member intermediate said first and second ends thereof for resiliently maintaining said inner support member at said neutral position,

first means including means positioned adjacent said second end and engaging said spring means for compressing said spring means when said manual means is operated to a first of said plurality of positions relative to said neutral position,

a ring member including means positionedadjacent said first end and engaging said spring means for compressing said spring means when said manual means is operated to a second position relative to said neutral position, and

switch actuating means actuatable by said manual means for controlling the energization of the circuit.

13. A push-pull switch for controlling conditions in an electrical circuit comprising;

a hollow outei` support member,

an inner support member conceutrically spaced from said outer support member having a first end and a second end,

manual means including means connected to said iirst end operable to resiliently, reciprocably actuate said inner support member from a neutral position to a plurality of positions relative to said outer support member,

a single spring member supported on and concentric with said inner support member intermediate said rst and second ends thereof for resiliently maintaining said' inner support member at said neutral position,

means including means positioned adjacent said second end and engaging said spring member for retaining said spring member in a rst direction on said inner support member and compressing said spring member when said manual means is operated to a irst of said plurality of positions relative to said neutral position,

a ring member including means positioned adjacent said first end and engaging said spring member for retaining said spring member in a second direction opposite to said first direction on said inner support member and compressing said spring member when .said manual means is operated to a second position relative to said neutral position, and

switch actuating means actuatable by said manual means for controlling the energization ofthe circuit.

14. A push-pull switch for controlling conditions in an electrical circuit comprising:

a hollow outer support member including a radially in wardly extending first ring member,

an inner support member concentrically spaced from said outer support member having a lirst end and a second end,

CII

manual means including means removably connected to said first end operable to resiliently, reciprocably actuate said inner support member from a neutral position to a plurality of positions relative to said outer support member,

a single spring member support on and concentric with said inner support member intermediate said first and second ends thereof for resiliently maintaining said inner support member at said neutral position,

means including means positioned adjacent said second end and engaging said first ring member and said spring member for retaining said spring member in a first direction on said inner support member and compressing said spring member when said manual kmeans is operated to a first of said plurality of positions relative to said neutral position,

a second ring member including rmeans slidably supported on said inner support member positioned adjacent said irst end and engaging said spring member for retaining said spring member in a second direction opposite to said first direction on said inner support member and compressing said spring member when said manual means is operated to a second position relative to said neutral position, and

switch actuating means actuable by said manual means for controlling the energization of the circuit.

15. In a push-pull switch,

a reciprocable actuator,

means holding said actuator normally in a neutral position including resilient means,

a pair or" members at opposite sides of and confining said resilient means,

a stationary support carrying said members and slidably supporting the same for movement in the direction of and against said resilient means, and

means on said support forming abutments at the outer sides of said movable members for preventing sliding movement of the latter away from said resilient means, and

means forming lost-motion connections between said actuator and said members, said resilient means acting through said members and said lost motion connections to hold said actuator normally in the neutral position, and said lost motion connections being operable to pull one of said members against said resilient means when the actuator is moved in one direction from said neutral position and cperable to push the other of said members against said resilient means when said actuator is moved in the other direction from said neutral position.

16. The switch of claim 15 further including switch means No references cited KATHLEEN H. CLAFFY, Primary Examiner,

H. O. JONES, Assistant Examiner. 

15. IN A PUSH-PULL SWITCH, A RECIPROCABLE ACTUATOR, MEANS HOLDING SAID ACTUATOR NORMALLY IN A NEUTRAL POSITION INCLUDING RESILIENT MEANS, A PAIR OF MEMBERS AT OPPOSITE SIDES OF AND CONFINING SAID RESILIENT MEANS, A STATIONARY SUPPORTING CARRYING SAID MEMBERS AND SLIDABLY SUPPORTING THE SAME FOR MOVEMENT IN THE DIRECTION OF AND AGAINST SAID RESILIENT MEANS, AND MEANS ON SAID SUPPORT FORMING ABUTMENTS AT THE OUTER SIDES OF SAID MOVABLE MEMBERS FOR PREVENTING SLIDING MOVEMENT OF THE LATTER AWAY FROM SAID RESILIENT MEANS, AND MEANS FORMING LOST-MOTION CONNECTIONS BETWEEN SAID ACTUATOR AND SAID MEMBERS, SAID RESILIENT MEANS ACTING THROUGH SAID MEMBERS AND SAID LOST MOTION CONNECTIONS TO HOLD SAID ACTUATOR NORMALLY IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION, AND SAID LOST MOTION CONNECTIONS 